About this sheet
Antique Map of Meurthe by Vuillemin with 50 Notable Places, France c.1850
This finely detailed and beautifully illustrated antique map of the Meurthe department in northeastern France was drawn by the French cartographer Alexandre Vuillemin and engraved by Lemoine around 1850. Part of the celebrated Atlas Départemental de La France, this map combines precise geographic rendering with decorative vignettes characteristic of 19th-century French cartography.
At its core, the map presents Meurthe's topography, towns, communes, rivers, and departmental borders. Major routes and rail lines are highlighted with hand-colored outlines, marking key transport arteries of the mid-19th century. Rich embellishments surround the map: in the upper center is a finely engraved city view of Nancy, the historical capital of the duchy of Lorraine. The lower right features a portrait of General Rousselot, born in Nancy in 1775, an officer of distinction during the Napoleonic Wars. Opposite, in the top right, a pair in regional Lorraine costume represents the department’s cultural identity. In the bottom left corner is the departmental coat of arms, framed in elegant classical design.
The visual appeal of this map is enhanced by delicate pastel hand-coloring, original from the period, highlighting cantonal divisions in pink, green, yellow, and blue. A climbing vine motif and intricate corner decorations add further charm, making the piece both an informative document and a work of art.
This map notably identifies 50 key towns, cities, and communes of historic and economic importance, each with a brief explanation:
Collectors of antique cartography will appreciate this map for its aesthetic embellishments, historical value, and the insight it offers into France's pre-1871 geography—before the Meurthe department was divided following the Franco-Prussian War. It is a remarkable artifact of geographic, political, and artistic interest.
Condition report: Very good condition. Light age-toning to margins. Original hand coloring. Plate mark visible. Very small spots along edges. No centerfold.
Framing tips: Ideal for framing with a double mat—ivory outer mat with a muted pink or green inner line to echo the canton colors. A dark walnut or black frame with antique gold fillet would complement the engraving’s refined details and vignette work.
